Is headache the process of blood clot formation? People who often have headaches should read this!

[This issue's rumor] : There is news online that every headache is a process of creating a blood clot, just like eczema will sooner or later drive the heart into the abyss.

[NetEase Health Assessment] : It is inaccurate!

【Key points for identifying rumors】 :

Does headache "create" blood clots? No relevant research has yet confirmed

First, let's take a look at the causes of blood clots that are currently recognized by the medical community:

① Cardiovascular endothelial cell damage: common in diseases such as rheumatic and infective endocarditis, severe atherosclerotic plaque ulcers, etc.

② Abnormal blood flow status: refers to the slowing of blood flow and the formation of blood flow vortices, which are more common in patients with heart failure, long-term illness and bedridden patients after surgery.

③Increased blood coagulability: Increased platelets and coagulation factors in the blood, which is more common in hereditary and acquired hypercoagulable states.

④ Lifestyle factors: including age, long-term bed rest, long-term desk work, lack of regular exercise, etc. In addition, oral contraceptives and hormones, long-term smoking and alcohol abuse, preference for high-fat and high-sugar diets, pregnancy, puerperium, etc., are also likely to induce thrombosis.

Based on the above causes of blood clots that are currently recognized by the medical community, it can be seen that the statement that "every headache is a process of creating a blood clot" has no scientific basis.

Does eczema trigger heart disease? Related studies mostly point to atopic eczema

Regarding the rumor that "eczema will eventually drive the heart to the abyss", there are indeed multiple related studies that confirm the correlation between atopic eczema and heart disease.

Atopic eczema is a type of eczema. It is a syndrome involving multiple systems (such as respiratory system involvement and immune system involvement). It is much more complicated than common eczema, has a longer course of disease, and is often accompanied by a family history of allergies.

The study "Severe and predominantly active atopic eczema in adulthood and long term risk of cardiovascular disease: population based cohort study" published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in 2018 stated that atopic eczema is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with severe atopic eczema have a 20% increased risk of stroke, a 35% to 40% increased risk of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular death, and a 70% increased risk of heart failure.

The causal relationship between allergic diseases and heart failure: Evidence from Mendelian randomization study, published in the monthly journal PLoS One in 2022, also conducted relevant research on the causal relationship between allergic diseases and heart failure and concluded that asthma and atopic eczema are risk factors for heart failure, and that inflammation is a key factor in promoting the underlying mechanism.

Don’t worry about blood clots! If you often have headaches, you should do these things

Although headache is not a process of blood clot formation, it is a symptom that may be caused by blood clot formation. If you often have headaches, you should first find out the cause to see if it is caused by blood clots.

The causes of headaches are complex and diverse, involving diseases of multiple systems and organs. Environmental stimulation, poor rest, tension, and emotional instability may also lead to headaches. Headaches are also related to endocrine and metabolism.

Some people also experience headaches when they consume food or drink that contains alcohol, caffeine, etc., and also experience headaches when they withdraw from these substances. Some people also experience headaches when they consume or drink cold food or drinks.

Regardless of the cause of the headache, if it occurs frequently or lasts for a long time without relief, you should seek medical attention in time and follow the doctor's instructions to undergo appropriate physical examinations to find the cause and receive treatment as soon as possible. When going to the hospital for treatment, you should describe your physical condition in detail and bring along the medications you regularly take to help the doctor make a differential diagnosis.

At the same time, in life, we should do the following things:

Stay away from headache triggers: Try to avoid exposure to excessive noise, light, smoke, or chemicals.

Maintain good sleep: ensure adequate sleep every day and maintain a balanced mental state.

Actively participate in exercise: Regular physical exercise can help relieve tension and stress and improve headache symptoms.

Adjust your diet properly: eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and less spicy and irritating foods.

The reasons behind many life phenomena still need to be explored in depth by medical experts and scientists. Although the rumors are untrue and have no basis, they also remind us that maintaining healthy living habits and seeking medical treatment in time when feeling unwell are the ways that each of us should take responsibility for our lives.

References: PubMed Central, Peking University People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University